09

November

First trees planted along Sauchiehall St “Avenue”

Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, was today (7 November) joined by pupils from Garnetbank Primary to help plant the first trees on Sauchiehall Avenue.

The £7.2 million Sauchiehall Avenue project – between Charing Cross and Rose Street – has been underway since January and when finished, will feature a multifunctional service verge and two-way cycle lane on the northern side of Sauchiehall Street, with pavements widened to free up space for pedestrians and licensed tables and chairs on both sides of the street.

As part of the project, 27 trees – in a variety of deciduous species, with attractive colours throughout the year – are being planted along the Avenue. In addition, new bus shelters, cycle stands, seating, smart city infrastructure and improved street lighting will be delivered through the project, which is also delivering new public realm to the four streets to the south of Sauchiehall Street between Elmbank Street and Douglas Street.

Improved connections through this project are expected to bring economic, environmental and social benefits to this part of Glasgow, making it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to move through the area, and enhancing its traditional status as a gateway into the city centre.

Sauchiehall Avenue will be the first of 16 such avenues to be created on Glasgow city centre streets and is the only project of its kind in the UK. The project is funded through the £115 million Avenues project supported by the Glasgow City Region City Deal. More information on the Avenues programme for Glasgow city centre is available at: www.glasgow.gov.uk/avenues.